McCalls 6794

I'm on a mission to make some more tops. Pretty sure I have enough dresses for the time being, or do I. I've had this material for quite some time. I didn't know what exactly I wanted to do with it. I thought it would be good for a dress. But with a most sewing projects I tend to pull certain materials out and contemplate whether they are worthy of the specific pattern I want to make. It's a super light weight cotton so it would have needed lining so that kind of makes up your mind. It was perfect for this top.     

 

Such an easy pattern to work with. This is definitely a top you could make in one day.  I actually love these type of sleeves. So much simpler than adding sleeves separately and you just turn over the seam instead of using binding or facing.  By just adding length this would a perfect dress also.  

Simply a great top that would go with pants or skirts.  I think now the weather is finally cooling down I might try the longer sleeve top. 

Butterick 4443

I was lucky enough to be given a bag a fabric recently from a friend of the family. I guess there are many metres of fabric lying stashed away in homes across Australia. I personally didn't have that much fabric lying around from my years of sewing. Though my mum actually had a couple of items which were even still bagged up with cotton, and notions all ready to make. Now, I could almost fill a whole cupboard with fabric bought in the last 5 years.  Anyoldhow, pink seemed to be the colour du jour in this little bundle.  

So I located one of my old patterns which was perfect for this cotton/denim combo. The pink cotton is a drill which does need a good press.  Rather than fully line the bodice I just used a section as facing and self-made bias binding for the armholes.  For some reason though the material is a tad crinkly around the arms.  

I had used this pattern previously with a purple and white spot, with a sleeve.  Unfortunately the zip broke and I didn't feel motivated to put in a new zip. Too many other new things to sew. 

And I dedicate this photo to my friend Anna who says I don't smile enough in my photos. And yes, I know it's not really a big smile as such, but when  a girl gets to a certain age it's hard to take a good smiley photo that doesn't leave you exposing some double chin action. It's hard enough trying to take a decent photo of the upper arms for goodness sake.

Vogue 8185

A definite blast from the recent past this 2006 pattern.  I made my first version I guess nearly 10 years ago.  My word where has the last decade gone.  I had intended to make version F with the triple frill layering. But of course I did my usual thing in not really concentrating on the instructions when cutting it out I cut the main part of the dress a bit too long and I didn't realise until I'd already put the first frill on.  Bother!  So rather than unpick a perfectly good frill I just had to stick with the most basic of versions. 

Anyway you can't really tell but this is a black and white spot pattern.  You know the kind of cotton when you bend over to buckle your sandals it leaves these ghastly wrinkles all through it.  I also used some nice buttons from my vintage button collection. 

All in all a very easy make and a nice summer dress. 

Italian anyone?

Inspired by a dress I saw on line I was keen to try a red and white check dress.  But seriously you can't look at a red and white checks and not think Italian restaurant.  

I chose my favourite go to pattern New Look 6223. I did fully line the dress this time. Sometimes I just do the bodice depending on the how sheer the fabric might be.  Unfortunately the dress is a little snug on the waist darn it all.  This could be because: 

(a)  I gathered the skirt instead of using the pleating; or 
(b)  I ate too many hot cross buns at Easter and my belly is telling me to get on the treadmill.

I may try letting out the darts a bit and see if that makes it more comfy.  As per usual an easy dress to make and quite satisfied the end results. 

Pretty happy with our my checks seem to match up.